Home to countless immigrant stories, Queens is the most diverse borough in New York City, with over two million people, half of whom were born outside the United States. So it’s no surprise that the area’s markets – some sprawling, many more pocket-sized – are equally as diverse, serving immigrant communities both old and new. We recently sent out New York-based photographer Melanie Einzig to document fall’s bounty at five of the borough’s diverse marketplaces. Her visual harvest can be found below.
J Mart: Flushing’s Asian Superstore
Tucked inside a Flushing mall, sprawling J Mart stocks almost every conceivable Asian ingredient. This time of year persimmons, a fall fruit, are on display.
Cauliflower gets a close inspection in J Mart’s expansive produce section.
J Mart has one of New York’s finest selections of tropical fruit.
R&M Glatt Supermarket: Forest Hills’ Kosher Connection
For Forest Hills’ observant Jewish community, R&M Glatt Supermarket has long been a standby for all things kosher. They also stock items for seasonal cooking and traditions, like pomegranates.
Another fall find at R&M Glatt Supermarket is the cashier Maria, who is only working there for the season.
A local scopes out the produce at R&M Glatt Supermarket.
Patel Brothers: Subcontinental Shopping in Jackson Heights
Located in the heart of Jackson Heights, Patel Brothers is a prime destination for all things Indian and from other parts of the Asian Subcontinent.
Patel Brothers’ spice department alone is worthy of a visit.
Desi dudhi, a type of bottle gourd, is among the hard-to-find vegetables on offer in Patel’s produce department.
Casa America: Corona’s Ecuadorian (mini)Megastore
Casa America in Corona may be small, but inside it manages to carry an overwhelming number of Ecuadorean products.
Among the items on offer is harina morada, purple corn masa flour, which is used to make colada morada, a hot drink consumed on Día de los Difuntos (Nov. 2) in Ecuador.
A worker at Casa America holds up t’anta wawa, a bread also traditionally eaten on Día de los Difuntos (Nov. 2) in Ecuador.
Titan Foods: All Things Greek in Astoria
Titan Foods in Astoria bills itself as “the largest retail Greek food and grocery store in America.” It may very well be true.
America’s largest retail feta counter?
Not surprisingly, Titan’s selection of Greek sweets is, well, titan.
- October 27, 2015 Junta Local
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Melanie EinzigMelanie Einzig
Published on October 26, 2018
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